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Chris Conner leaves Pens for Red Wings (1 year, 2-way deal)

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have signed right wing Chris Conner to a one-year, two-way contract.

Conner, 27, had seven goals, nine assists and 10 penalty minutes in 60 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins last season. He appeared in all seven games of the Penguins' first-round playoff loss to Tampa Bay, picking up one point (a goal).

Conner will compete for a spot in training camp, but the team already has 13 forwards on one-way deals and a 14th, Cory Emmerton, who must clear waivers to be sent back to Grand Rapids. So Conner likely will start the season with the Griffins.

The 5-foot-8, 180-pound Westland native has 16 goals, 24 assists and 30 penalty minutes in 139 games over parts of five NHL seasons with Dallas and Pittsburgh.

Conner scored the game-winning goal, on a penalty shot against Joey MacDonald, in the Penguins' 4-1 win over the Red Wings on Jan. 18 at the Consol Energy Center.

He played four years at Michigan Tech and wasn't drafted.

Here is what The Hockey News' Web site said of Conner:

ASSETS: Displays blazing speed and plenty of energy every shift. Works extremely hard and can play either wing position. Produces points at lower levels.

FLAWS: Is fairly tiny by today's NHL standards and lacks the strength to win battles in the corners regularly. Also lacks a little hockey sense and confidence at the highest level.